Cristina Cardenas
Role and Responsibilities
Cristina Cardenas, Environmental Services Manager, leads the housekeeping and laundry associates at Meadow Ridge and for Ridge Crest, the community’s health center (Assisted Living, Mind & Memory Care, Sub-Acute Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing and Respite Care), where she ensures every area is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. She coordinates daily operations, trains associates, manages schedules and ensures regulatory compliance.
“Our department plays a key role in enhancing the resident experience,” Cristina says. “We create a clean, safe and welcoming environment that residents are proud to call home. I am proud of my team; when residents call to praise an associate or thank us for a service, it reminds me why I love being part of this community.”
Industry Expertise
Cristina has been part of the Meadow Ridge community since 2010. She began as a CNA and often helped the reception and dining services teams when additional support was needed.
Meadow Ridge later supported her in completing an EMT course, leading to a role in the EMT security department. During 2020, she transitioned her role to environmental services assistant and was later promoted to environmental services manager, where she continues to grow and lead today.
Cristina says, “I’m proud of the opportunities I’ve had to grow at Meadow Ridge and give back to a community that has given me so much.”
Passion for Senior Care
“I knew I wanted to help others when I saw my aunt working in a hospital,” shares Cristina. “Growing up, I admired the way she cared for people and wanted to follow in her footsteps. I truly love helping the residents and enjoy every step of the journey in making a difference in their lives. What I treasure most is getting to know their stories. I could sit with them for hours if time allowed. Learning about their careers, how they met their spouses and all the experiences that have shaped their lives is incredibly rewarding. The greatest reward is not just providing services but building connections and making a meaningful difference in their day-to-day lives.”
Leadership Philosophy
“I believe in leading by example, with respect, accountability and collaboration at the core of my approach. My goal is to create an environment where team members feel valued, supported and empowered to grow while working together to provide the best experience for our residents and community,” says Cristina.
Milestones
Cristina was promoted to environmental services manager, overseeing the third largest department at Meadow Ridge, with 40 associates.
“One of the biggest milestones in my career has been reaching this role,” Cristina says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to lead such a dedicated team after so many years at Meadow Ridge and to continue growing every day.”
Personal Interests
Outside of work, Cristina enjoys spending quality time with her kids.
“During the summer, we love going to Rhode Island on the weekends to enjoy the beaches and beautiful sunsets,” she says. “I also enjoy gardening, where I can lose myself in the work and come away feeling reenergized, especially during harvest when it’s time to collect the rewards of my efforts.”